Nintendo has attempted to extinguish intensifying criticism for failing to include same-sex relationships in upcoming life-sim Tomodachi Life, but remains adamant that it has no plans to update the game.

Questions first emerged when Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe confirmed the 3DS title, which has a big focus on forming relationships, for a western release.  The company's first response was to dismiss the discussion as "confusion" over a "glitch" in the original Japanese release. This was in reference to a technical glitch which allowed same-sex Miis to enter relationships. It was against Nintendo's intention, and was addressed in a patch.

But the criticism has only increased, with gamers across the spectrum asking why same-sex relationships shouldn't be a feature in the game in the first place.

Nintendo of America has since released a further statement, attempting to play down the issue.

"Nintendo never intended to make any form of social commentary with the launch of 'Tomodachi Life'. The relationship options in the game represent a playful alternate world rather than a real-life simulation. We hope that all of our fans will see that 'Tomodachi Life' was intended to be a whimsical and quirky game, and that we were absolutely not trying to provide social commentary."

"The ability for same-sex relationships to occur in the game was not part of the original game that launched in Japan, and that game is made up of the same code that was used to localise it for other regions outside of Japan.”

The latest statement has only served to draw more anger, with many gamers taking issue at same-sex relationships being twice labelled as 'social commentary'. A social media campaign called Miiquality has since been set up to lobby Nintendo to address the issue.

Tomodachi Life is due to release on June 6th.